Population genetic structure for gene HLA-G in NorthWest Russia

Abstract

HLA-G is a nonclassical MHC class Ib molecule predominantly expressed in cytotrophoblasts and also under pathological conditions in chronically inflamed and malignant tissues. Polymorphisms of the HLA-G gene, some of which are functionally important, may potentially affect both the coding and noncoding regions of this gene. Using the PCR method we studied polymorphism of the HLA-G gene (alleles G*0101–0107,–725C/G, and 3741del/ins14) in 118 individuals aged from 20 to 40 years and living in the NorthWest Region of Russia (St. Petersburg). In order to determine major alleles of the HLA-G gene, the system of primers for multiplex allele-specific PCR was elaborated. The HLA-G allele distribution in residents of the NorthWest Region of Russia was determined. The minor allele frequencies varied in wide ranges, from 0% to 39%. Cluster analysis was carried out and the genetic distances between the Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Danish, Indian, African Shona, Brazilian, Polish, and German populations, as well as the population of the NorthWest Region of Russia, were calculated. The similarity of the distribution of frequencies of alleles G*0101–0107 and polymorphism 3741del/ins14 in the Danish, German, and NorthWest Region’s populations was shown.